Message from the President, David Isaac

Shalom and warmest greetings to our local community, our neighbors, and our global family,

Albania holds a unique and sacred chapter in the history of the Jewish people. We are a land where, during the darkest days of the Holocaust, not a single Jew was surrendered to the occupiers. Driven by the sacred Albanian code of Besa—the profound promise of honor and protection—this nation risked everything to shelter us. We did not just survive here; we were embraced as family.

Today, we are writing the next vibrant chapter of this beautiful story.


Our Unwavering Commitment to Jewish Life

Let me be entirely clear: our commitment to Jewish life in Albania is absolute and uncompromising. To live fully as a Jew means having the freedom, the infrastructure, and the safety to practice our faith, honor our culture, and gather in unity. We are dedicated to ensuring that Jewish life here is not a relic of the past found only in history books, but a living, breathing reality. We are strengthening our institutions, safeguarding our heritage, and ensuring that the flame of our faith burns brighter with each passing generation.

Refocusing Our Identity

For years, our community has quietly integrated, focusing on rebuilding. But the time has come to shift our focus from merely preserving our history to vibrantly living our identity. We are actively refocusing on what it means to be Jewish in Albania today—revitalizing our traditions, educating our youth, and celebrating our heritage with open hearts and raised heads. We are a community deeply proud of both our Jewish faith and our Albanian roots.

A Home for Every Jew in the World

Albania has always been a refuge, but our vision now is to make it a sanctuary of warmth and connection for every Jewish traveler from every corner of the globe.

"When you step into Albanian soil, you are not a visitor. You are family."

We are actively creating dedicated spaces—spiritual, cultural, and communal—where any visiting Jew can walk in and instantly feel the comfort of home. Whether you are seeking a place for Shabbat, access to kosher hospitality, a moment of prayer, or simply a warm conversation in a familiar tongue, our doors are wide open.

To our brothers and sisters across the globe: whenever your travels bring you to this beautiful Balkan nation, know that you have a home here. You are never a stranger in Albania. You are always, unconditionally, at home.

May we continue to grow in strength, unity, and pride.

Toda Raba and Birkat Shalom

Official Declaration DEKLARATË ZYRTARE E KOMUNITETIT HEBRAIK SHQIPTAR